Needham Steps Up Program Holds Annual Fundraiser

From Needham Steps Up:

Needham Steps Up (NSU), a nonprofit providing mentoring to income-eligible Needham High School students, invites the community to attend its Seventh Annual Fundraiser and silent auction on November 2 from 6:30 to 9pm at the new TripAdvisor world headquarters. The goal of NSU and the event is to help make post-secondary school success a reality for local kids in need.

Though not always apparent, Needham has a wide range of incomes and some students lack the resources to access academic and other support services that can help ensure post-secondary success. The Needham Steps Up program supports students academically and emotionally and helps them foster the skills they need to open doors for their success.

The event will be held at the new TripAdvisor world headquarters, November 2 from 6:30pm to 9pm. The evening features complementary wine and beer, hearty appetizers and a silent action with chances to bid on prizes including Celtics tickets, a Cape Cod overnight, a 2-night New York City getaway/MOMA museum package, spa offers, Great Hall concerts, restaurant gift cards, and much, much more. Tickets can be purchased throughOctober 28 at www.NeedhamStepsUp.org. Tickets are limited and will not be available the night of the event.

Be Inspired By NSU Success Stories; Celebrate Dr. Joe Barnes

Following the social reception and silent auction, the program will feature an NSU student and his mentor who will share their personal success stories with guests. The program will also include a brief ceremony to honor Dr. Joe Barnes with NSU’s 5th annual Stepping Up For Education award. This long time educator and community leader will be recognized for his many contributions to the social, emotional and academic wellbeing of Needham students.

Funds Pave Post-Secondary Success

“The funding from this event enables the program to exist,” said Martha Matlaw, program director. “Each student who comes through Needham Steps Up directly benefits.” Monies raised will support the Needham Steps Up mentoring and enrichment services which help income eligible students confidently navigate the path from high school to post-secondary school education and vocations.

Students who qualify for the program are paired with a trained mentor from the Needham High School staff who works with them to access resources that will help them graduate high school and plan for the future. Mentors meet with their students weekly, providing guidance and encouragement while helping set goals and manage social and academic challenges. They also join with other NSU members to meet as a group for community building and instructive workshops.

About Needham Steps Up

The seed for Needham Steps Up was planted in 2000 by parents in Needham public housing, who launched a grassroots effort to give their kids the one-to-one tutoring and support they needed to fully benefit from the Needham education experience.

With a $20,000 grant from the Congregational Church of Needham in 2003 and additional funding in subsequent years, the idea took root and evolved from after school tutoring to comprehensive mentoring and guidance. Today, Needham Steps Up provides mentoring, enrichment services and guidance to about 20 income-eligible Needham High students each year, for the duration of their high school years.

Needham Steps Up narrows the opportunity gap by pairing income-eligible students with a trained mentor to help them succeed at Needham High School and beyond. The program helps them access the academic support and enrichment that many of their peers take for granted. Needham Steps Up operates under the aegis of the Needham Community Council and welcomes financial support, earmarked for Needham Steps Up, from the community and businesses. For more information or to donate, visit www.NeedhamStepsUp.org.

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